Western Digital announced a new media player today called "WD TV Play," which allows users to stream content from network-connected devices to an HDTV.

WD TV Play is a Wi-Fi enabled media player that lets users stream movies, TV shows, Internet videos and music through apps like Netflix, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Pandora, Spotify, SlingPlayer and VUDU. It has Full-HD 1080p support as well as social apps like Facebook.

In addition to these streaming options, users can also experience media they already own like pictures, music and videos. But this pre-owned content must be on a computer or network storage that has a Digital Living Network Alliance server. Connected digital cameras, camcorders or USB drives can air content on the HDTV, too.

“We are excited to bring popular Internet channels and the ability to play personal media from other connected devices in the home, to budget-minded customers,” said Scott Vouri, general manager for WD's connected life solutions group. “Those features and our new, easy-to-use interface make WD TV Play a product that brings smart-TV benefits to a wide range of people.”

There's a WD TV Remote as well, which is connected over the home wireless network and has pre-programmed buttons for easy app navigation. Users also have the option to use their iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Android device as a remote with the WD TV Remote app.

I'll stick with the current WD player I own with two USB inputs. If I wanted to mess with network storage, I'd set up a low power HTPC and ditch the WD device altogether. Lack of USB support is why I didn't buy ROKU in the first place. I have family that just needs to plug in a flash drive or portable HDD and have it work. The last thing I want to do is play twenty questions, over the phone, as to why family can't see new files on the network or how to set it up.